23 people dead, more reported missing after tornadoes touch down in Lee County

At least ten people were killed when multiple tornadoes touched down Sunday in Lee County. (COURTESY: Scott Filmer)

LEE COUNTY, Alabama — 23 people were killed in Lee County after multiple tornadoes ripped through east Alabama on Sunday.

Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones told local media he believed the death toll could rise even higher. Coroner Bill Harris said crews were still recovering bodies Sunday night. The state mortuary team had been activated to help with the response.

All fatalities so far were reported in the town of Beauregard, about 60 miles (95 kilometers) east of Montgomery said Harris.

The Lee County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) said more than 150 first responders were on the ground in the moments after the storm. By Sunday night crews were using heat-seeking drones to search the debris. Search teams were expected to be back on the ground in full force at daylight.